OAS decision on Cuba prompts criticism

MIAMI, June 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., says the Organization of American States should lose U.S. funding for green-lighting Cuba's introduction to the group.

The Miami Herald said Friday that Mack, who has introduced legislation for the aid removal, wants OAS officials to urge Cuba to make changes before accepting the island country into the organization.

Mack said "if it wants to bring Cuba back in it can, but without the help or support of the U.S.''

U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said implementing the legislation could prove problematic given the difficulties associated with ending funding to international organizations.

''Even though I support it, I'm not going to promise too much in terms of results,'' Diaz-Balart said of the legislation.

The Herald said the legislation proposal comes despite the fact Cuba informed OAS officials the country was not prepared to return to the organization following its Cold War suspension.